E. coli cases under investigation in Stephens Co.

TOCCOA, Ga. -- Georgia Department of Public Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak that has left at least 11 people sick in northeast Georgia.

Department spokeswoman Nancy Nydam tells the Athens Banner-Herald officials are investigating menu items at a barbecue restaurant in Stephens County, and are probing whether cross contamination may have led to the bacteria spreading.

Officials say people reported illnesses between May 4 and May 8, and several of the cases involved hospitalization.

Authorities say no additional E. coli illnesses have been reported since May 8.